By Brad Richardson, Bright House Sports Network
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 30, 2013, 11:28 PM

ST. PETERSBURG-Shorecrest Prep claimed a district championship over St. Petersburg Catholic less than two weeks ago with a 9-1 win.

History would repeat itself on Tuesday night as the Chargers ended the Barons season in the Class 3A Regional semifinals with an 18-3 thumping. The mercy rule was enforced in the bottom of the 3rd inning.

Shorecrest won 3 out of 4 meetings between the two schools this season and its the first regional semifinal win in program history.

The Chargers will play the winner of Moore Haven-Kings Academy on Friday.

Starting pitchers for the game were Raquel Galinski for the Chargers and Brooke Zoffer for the Barons. St. Pete Catholic was without  top starter Kelsey Humphrey, who tore her labrum in her right shoulder and is out for the rest of the season.

“Their number one pitcher was out and they had to use their number two,” said Chargers head coach Mike Galinski. “Our strategy was to try to get up by five or six runs and see where things went the rest of the ball game.”

After Galinski shut down the Barons in the 1st, Shorecrest gained an early lead in the bottom half of the inning. Shortstop Jaquelin Galinski would bring in the first run of the game after her sister Raquel singled. Power-hitterHannah Smith then delivered a solid 2-run home run that allowed the Chargers to take a 3-0 lead.

“I thought it looked like it was tailing foul,” said Smith. “But when I kept watching and it started to go fair I was like 'yes'...I was so happy.”

The Barons answered back in the top of the 2nd inning when first baseman Martita Sharlow singled, delivering the first hit for St. Pete Catholic.  With the bases loaded, right fielder Paige Thiemann popped out to center field, allowing DH Ashley Duffy to tag and score to make it 3-1.

Shorecrest wouldn’t let the victory last long. In the 2nd inning, they would score nine consecutive runs due to walks, steals and successful stolen bases. Smith delivered an RBI double bringing in the Galanski sisters making the score 6-1.

First baseman Lindsay Eaton also showed her power-hitting skills, delivering a 3-run home run.

“I was so happy when I got that home run,” said Eaton. “It’s my fifth one of the season.”

After the 2nd inning, the Chargers appeared to have this win in tow, leading 12-3. For Smith and the rest of the Chargers, this was the perfect moment to finish it.

“Any time for us, when we are playing a team where we have a big run advantage over them, we are ready to just keep pushing forward and blow the game wide open," Smith said.

A pitching change was not enough to endure the power of the Shorecrest offense. The Chargers would score six more runs in the bottom of the third inning. The game came to an end with two outs and the bases loaded and Eaton up to bat. A wild pitch brought in pitcher Raquel Galinski for the final run of the game.

Now on a 14-game winning streak, the Chargers will advance to the regional finals on Friday.

“This is history in the making for us, because we have never gone this far and we have never won a second regional game,” said coach Galinski. “When we head to the (regional) finals, we are going to do everything the same. We are going to have a few hard practices, but I told the girls to bring their high levels of intensity and come prepared to practice hard.”

By Brad Richardson, Bright House Sports Network
Last Updated: Thursday, April 25, 2013

ST. PETERSBURG -- Shorecrest Prep made quick work of Saint Stephen's in the 3A Regional Quarterfinals on Wednesday night, enforcing the mercy-rule in a 13-3 five-inning romp of the Falcons.

Shorecrest will now face St. Petersburg Catholic on Tuesday. The Barons defeated Bradenton Christian 5-4.

Charger's pitcher Raquel Galinski said going into this game, with 17 wins so far this season, they wanted to shut them down, but most of all try their hardest.

“This whole team is a great support system...we play great defense, especially when the game is on the line.”

The Chargers got off to a quick start when they took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning.

The bottom of the 2nd would be a celebration as well when catcher Hannah Smith hit a home run that would bring in Jaquelin Galinski and Raquel Galinski making it a 5-1 ballgame. It was Smith's ninth home run of the season.

“I really just tried to focus and take it pitch by pitch," said Smith. ”I just wanted to make sure that I was looking down and kept the ball in play. But when I hit that home run, I knew it was gone.”

The Falcons would answer back in the top of the 3rd inning with the bases loaded, scoring two runs, making it a 5-3 game. But that would not be enough of a comeback for the Falcons as the Chargers would score eight runs between the 4th and 5th innings.

In the bottom of the 4th inning, Jordan Waldeman delivered an RBI single bringing in left fielder Molly Gilroy to score a run, followed by an RBI single by Smith to bring in right fielder Sephie Cooper and shortstop Jaquelin Galinski to make it 8-3.

First baseman Lindsay Eaton then singled, advanced to second on an error and then tagged up to move to third on Dulci Berlanti pop out. Gilroy would once again come through, delivering an RBI double to bring in Eaton for a run.

It would all end in the bottom of the 5th inning, when a red-hot Gilroy hit an RBI triple to bring in Raquel Galanski and Molly Webber to score two runs. Berlanti would then single to bring in Eaton with Gilroy knocking in an RBI double to end the game at 13-3. 

Chargers head coach Mike Galinski said they went into this game with the same mindset no different from any other game and will continue to do the same throughout the postseason.

“We are on a 12-game winning streak," said Galinski. "I have told the girls with every game 'always make contact, always put the ball in play'."

Galinski also raved about his battery combo.

"Our pitcher (Raquel Galanski) and catcher (Hannah Smith) are very in sync with one another. In some ways, they are like twins because they know each other so well they almost control the tempo of how the game is going to play out."

Link on Brighthouse: CLICK HERE

By Brad Richardson, Bright House Sports Network
Last Updated: Friday, April 26, 2013

PINELLAS PARK -- The (20-6) Seminole Warhawks and (16-10) Countryside Cougars faced off in the Class 7A District 10 Championship on Friday at Patriot Stadium in Pinellas Park.

Both teams faced tough opponents throughout the week. Seminole pulled a comeback 5-2 win over the St. Petersburg Green Devils in the bottom of the 6th inning on Wednesday. The same day, the Cougars shutout Pinellas Park 2-0.  

On Friday, Countryside wasted no time by scoring two runs in the 2nd and then relied on the arm of Christian Townsend to take home the district championship 3-0.

Both teams will move onto regionals on Thursday.

“They've been working all summer for this time of the year,” said Cougars head coach Kevin “Kemo” O’Sullivan. “We knew that we could beat this team. We came here on a mission and kept telling ourselves that we could do this.”

The Cougars got on the board in the 2nd when center fielder Kevin Rosinski and third baseman Mike Adamswould score after a single to center by shortstop Charlie Skantze.           

The Warhawks would have a tough time facing off against Townsend, who is known more as an outfielder and first baseman. He stepped on to the mound on Friday remembering the advice that his coach taught him all season with his pitches, keep them low and steady.

“During the beginning of the year I didn’t have much pitching,” said Townsend. “So with tonight, I went a little slower with more sidearm and two seam towards the very end. When I got on that mound, I was just told to give everything I got and to get ahead.”

His coach couldn't have been more pleased with the execution of the game plan.

“Tonight, Townsend found it," said O'Sullivan. "He gave Seminole some problems with those pitches of his.”

Up 2-0 in the 4th, the Cougars would squeak another run to make it 3-0, but after two tight games earlier this season with Seminole, O'Sullivan knew the game was not over yet.

“I’ve been here for six years with this team and even when they took that early lead I said 'that’s good', but I was not secure at all until the guys finished this game and got the final out. We knew Seminole could come back and explode at any time and become a challenge.”

Seminole starter Tylor Craft would leave the mound in the top of the 5th inning, yielding to Stephen Nobles to finish out the game for the Warhawks

Going into this game, Seminole had a six-game winning streak, but it all came to an end for Seminole in the bottom of the 7th inning with one out and a pitching change with Skantze coming in to close the game. Skantze would end the game with a double play and seal the championship for the Cougars.

“We wanted this win so much,” said Townsend. “I think this our first district win in our school's history. Now we get home field advantage.”

By Brad Richardson, Bright House Sports Network
Last Updated: Friday, April 19, 2013, 12:20 AM

SEMINOLE-The Seminole Warhawks continued their winning streak in the Pinellas County Athletic Conference Challenge against the Northeast Vikings on Thursday night with a 4-3 victory.

After comeback wins against Tampa Jesuit and Tarpon Springs and their fifth overall consecutive victory, the Seminoles had a enough left in the tank to knock off the Vikings for the third time this season (10-3 and 6-2).

For head coach Jeff Pincus, tonight’s win was another great victory to have going into the post season.

“Any win is a big game, it’s always good to have a good matchup with a good district opponent,” said Pincus.

The Warhawks would get an early lead in the bottom of the first inning when Alex McGathey, after being hit by a pitch, would score the first run on a Corey Baptist single. Third baseman Scott Withrow and second basemanChris Berry would generate hits and the Warhawks would take a 4-0 lead.

A pitching change came to the Vikings in the second inning when Brien Story would take the mound for starterColton Tison. Seminole starter Stephen Nobles and Story would battle it out, when in the top of the fourth inning, the Vikings brought some life brought back to the ball game.

After swinging on a full-count pitch, and the ball going past Seminole catcher Doug Borgh, Sean Andersonadvanced to first. First baseman Drew Vimond and shortstop Jessie Moeller would bring runs in for the Vikings, as the Warhawks would hold a 4-3 lead after the top of the fourth inning.

“After the fourth, Stephen (Nobles) was a little stressed over the lack of defense behind him,” said Pincus. “But what I simply told him was what his job is and he did a good job. He probably could have gone out for some more innings, but we also wanted to get some of our other players out there.“

The score would remain the same throughout the rest of the game with Seminole pitchers Damian Lovett and Kyle Frickman setting up Baptist, who would close out the game sealing another Pinellas County victory for the Warhawks.

According to Pincus, when Baptist is ready to show his versatility on the field, not just as a first baseman, he proves it.

“When Corey wants to get the ball in a one-run ball game and close it out, he uses his arm to every last throw,” said Pincus. "Without a question, when the opportunity comes, he has the ability. When he throws strikes, he’s effective.”

Nobles stated that with next week being districts, they have to be ready and know that competition awaits them.

"We just need to stick to baseball next week,” said Nobles. “We can’t let our guard down at all.”

The Warhawks, along with the rest of Pinellas County, begin district games next week. Seminole will play on Wednesday at 7pm at Pinellas Park High School. They will play the winner of the Northeast vs. St. Petersburg district game.

Seminole High Schools baseball team defeated the Tampa Jesuit Tigers, the undefeated number one team in the nation 2-1 on April 13th at Paul Straub Field at Hyer Family Park. After a homerun from catcher Michael Mann (9) the game remained tied for 10 innings before shortstop Alex McGathey (3) scored the winning run. RHP Nick Nolan (27) threw 97 pitches in 8 innings giving up only one unearned run. Seminoles next home game is the Pinellas County Athletic Conference Challenge on Thursday April 18 at 7 pm against the Northeast High School Vikings.

After defeating Pinellas Park high school in a 7-2 victory on Friday April 12, the Warhawks  faced their greatest competition this season. They would face off against the number one ranked high school baseball team in the nation, the Tampa Jesuit Tigers. Jesuit going into this game undefeated at 22-0 and the Warhawks at 17-6, the Tigers were the favored team to win. Starting pitchers would be #10 Spencer Trayner for the Tigers and #27 Nick Nolan for the Warhawks.  Jesuit would take the lead early after #34 Ricky Caldevilla with a single following a steal from first to second would bring in the first run of the game. The Tigers would lead until the 6th inning when catcher and USF signee #9 Michael Mann hit a solo homerun to center field bouncing off the fence while outfielders attempted to catch it. The Warhawks and the Tigers would battle it out trying to get players on base into scoring position. Hopes looked alive for the Warhawks in the 7th inning when #5 Cody Miller singled to first but make it in time do to an overthrow. Miller would advance to second and the Tigers would be charged with the error. #4 Nate Tomilonus would substitute for right fielder #37 Stephen Nobles and deliver a sacrifice bunt advancing Miller to third. The Warhawks would lose the chance at the run when shortstop #3 Alex McGathey would single out. Nolan would finish his time on the mound after the 8th inning, brining in center fielder #31 Tylor Craft  to close the game. The game would turn in the Warhawks favor in the top of the 10th inning when McGathey singled and 1st baseman #11 Corey Baptist and 3rd baseman #24 Scott Withrow would walk. With bases loaded and with one out, 2nd baseman #21 Chris Berry delivered a hit to left field that would be caught allowing McGathey to tag up and get the run for the Warhawks. They would now lead 2-1 over the Tigers. The Tigers would try for one last attempt at scoring. But after a pop fly caught by Withrow and a strikeout delivered by Craft, Nobles would make the final game winning catch in right field and the Warhawks would take a monumentus win before playing in the PCAC Challenge on April 18th at Seminole Warhawk field. Their next game is against Tarpon Springs on April 16th. For more information about the Warhawks as well as schedule of games, please visit www.eteamz.com/seminolewarhawksbaseball/

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GAME:

Bottom of 1st: Attempted steal, baptist picks off runner #1 Kennie Taylor

Bottom of 2nd: Jesuit takes the lead 1-0 #34 Ricky Caldevilla makes the run.

Top of 3rd: #11 Corey Baptist singles
                      Jesuit leads 2-1
      
Top of 6th: Catcher #9 Mike Mann  hits a home run and was attempted to be caught by the left and right fielders going for it a the fence.  Score tied 1-1

Bottom of 6th: #5 Adrian Chacon doubles 
                             Score tied 1-1

Top of 7th: #5 Cody Miller singles and gets to first; due to overthrow he advances to second         (error)
        #4 Nate Tomilonus sacrifice bunt advances Miller to third.
        #3 McGathey grounds out
        
Bottom of 7th: #22 Leland Saile walks
                            Score tied 1-1 extra innings

Bottom of 8th: Nolan's last inning on the mound.-Throws 97 pitches after inning is completed.    Center Fielder #31 Tylor Craft will come in to close the game.
Warhawks lead 2-1
  
Top of 10th: #3 Alex McGathey singles
                        #8 Jacob Silverstein strikes out
                        #3 McGathey steals 
                        #11 Corey Baptist walks
                        #24 Scott walks
                        #21 Chris berry hits a pop fly to left field, mcgathey tags up and gets the run for the  Warhawks 
                         Warhawks take the lead 2-1

Bottom of 10th: Failed bunt attempt; ball caught by #24 Scott Withrow
                             #32 Zach Prado -craft strikes out 
                             #30 Ryan McCullers-stephen nobles makes the catch in right field 


      

Tonite between 9 and 9:30 pm at the memorial site along 86th after going past Oakhurst road, there will be night of memory and tribute as we recognize Nate Keith Joey and LeShawn who died on April 10th, 2009 in SEMINOLE on GOOD FRIDAY. If you would like to bring candles or flowers or balloons, the families are more than appreciative. We look forward to seeing you all there and just catching up, but most of all remembering them and just thinking about how 4 years has gone by and how much has changed!

ALL THE BEST,
B.K.R.

SEMINOLE – The fourth edition of a golf tournament that benefits students at Seminole High School and the community in both the scholastic and sports venues tees off Saturday, April 6 at Seminole Lake Country Club.

The Forever Friends golf event is held yearly in honor of Nate Richardson, Keith MacCollom, Joey Ruzecki and LeShawn Smith. On Good Friday, April 10, 2009, all four boys, including sole survivor Corey LePore, were involved in a car crash while returning home to make curfew.

The accident devastated the community and families wanted to remember the boys forever. They set up scholarships in their names so that future graduates of Seminole High School and the youth of the community would be able to follow their dreams.

The Keith MacCollom Hoops and Heritage Foundation awards scholarships to senior athletes at Seminole High School. All athletes must attain a 3.2 grade-point average and must be a part of sports program for two years at Seminole High School. They must have a 970 SAT score and must be attending college next year.

The Joey Ruzecki Memorial scholarship fund looks for applicants who are in advanced placement and honors courses who have a 3.4 GPA and have been taking classes that Ruzecki took. These classes included AP Chemistry, American History Honors, Analytical Geometry/Trigonometry Honors and English Honors.

The Nate Richardson Memorial scholarship fund was created for seniors of the Seminole High School baseball and softball teams. They must have been on the teams for at least two years, must have a 3.0 GPA, a 970 SAT and 22 ACT score or better, as well as a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

The winners will receive a one-time monetary award for college expenses.

LeShawn Smith’s family decided to donate his tournament proceeds to the YMCA of Largo. LePore, who was the sole survivor of the crash, partnered with Play4Us to help the youth of Seminole to participate through sports at Seminole Youth Athletic Association.

All of the scholarship opportunities are incorporated as 501C (3) as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

Over the past four years, the Forever Friends tourney has raised more than $100,000 in college scholarships and more than $40,000 in grants for kids.

This year’s tournament will feature more than 140 golfers in a four-player scramble. Each golfer will receive 18 holes of golf with one mulligan and they also will get one ticket for a hole in one opportunity. They also will have the opportunity to compete in a closest to the pin, putting and straightest drive contests.

The tournament will feature a raffle along with a live and silent auction. Dinner will follow the tournament.

The tournament is open to the public and dinner is $25 per person. All dinner and raffle tickets can be purchased at the gate if anyone is looking to attend.

In addition to food and fun, the families will feature photos and videos inside the clubhouse in a designated area. 

Lunch for the golfers will begin at noon.

The tournament begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

For more information, visit www.foureverfriends org.

Article published on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved.